Cost-Effectiveness of Home Visitation in Improving Health Outcomes of HIV-Affected Children in Eswatini
1
Strategic Information, Young Heroes Organisation, Mbabane, Swaziland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2037
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
HIV infection and undernutrition remain major public health challenges among young children in Eswatini. Effective management of nutrition, psychosocial wellbeing, and HIV-related complications continues to be a priority. The Sabelo Sensha Project, implemented by Young Heroes Organization in collaboration with the Government of Eswatini, seeks to improve child health through home-based interventions that integrate nutrition support, psychosocial assistance, and palliative care for HIV-affected families.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of home visitation—including palliative and psychosocial care in improving health outcomes among HIV-affected children in Eswatini.
METHODS:
Secondary data collected between June and December 2024 under the Sabelo Sensha Project were analyzed. Trained Home Visitors (HVs) identified and enrolled vulnerable children with caregiver consent and provided, health and nutrition support and education, palliative and psychosocial care and linkages to clinical and social services. Routine household visits and follow-up phone calls ensured continuity of care, with referrals based on individual household needs.
RESULTS:
Between June and December 2024, 7,396 children under five were assessed. Of these, 1,970 (27%) were malnourished, including 70 of 294 (24%) HIV-positive children. Following monthly education, support, and linkages to care, malnutrition prevalence decreased by 15% after six months. After one year, 53% (1,052/1,970) achieved acceptable weight-for-age and improved growth trajectories. Caregivers also reported enhanced emotional wellbeing and reduced stress, reflecting the added benefits of palliative care integration.
CONCLUSIONS:
Home visitation incorporating palliative and psychosocial care is a cost-effective and impactful approach to improving nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and overall health outcomes among HIV-affected children in Eswatini. Scaling up this model could strengthen community-based child survival programs and promote long-term resilience in similar high-burden settings
HIV infection and undernutrition remain major public health challenges among young children in Eswatini. Effective management of nutrition, psychosocial wellbeing, and HIV-related complications continues to be a priority. The Sabelo Sensha Project, implemented by Young Heroes Organization in collaboration with the Government of Eswatini, seeks to improve child health through home-based interventions that integrate nutrition support, psychosocial assistance, and palliative care for HIV-affected families.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of home visitation—including palliative and psychosocial care in improving health outcomes among HIV-affected children in Eswatini.
METHODS:
Secondary data collected between June and December 2024 under the Sabelo Sensha Project were analyzed. Trained Home Visitors (HVs) identified and enrolled vulnerable children with caregiver consent and provided, health and nutrition support and education, palliative and psychosocial care and linkages to clinical and social services. Routine household visits and follow-up phone calls ensured continuity of care, with referrals based on individual household needs.
RESULTS:
Between June and December 2024, 7,396 children under five were assessed. Of these, 1,970 (27%) were malnourished, including 70 of 294 (24%) HIV-positive children. Following monthly education, support, and linkages to care, malnutrition prevalence decreased by 15% after six months. After one year, 53% (1,052/1,970) achieved acceptable weight-for-age and improved growth trajectories. Caregivers also reported enhanced emotional wellbeing and reduced stress, reflecting the added benefits of palliative care integration.
CONCLUSIONS:
Home visitation incorporating palliative and psychosocial care is a cost-effective and impactful approach to improving nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and overall health outcomes among HIV-affected children in Eswatini. Scaling up this model could strengthen community-based child survival programs and promote long-term resilience in similar high-burden settings
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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